AxisofOddity Land

I've decided to make a new site, basically for my new series of Club Fusion.

The reason I'm putting the stories (as they're slowly, but surely written) on a small new website is to keep a record for myself of what I've written, and for anyone who may want to waste a few minutes of reading time. Maybe until fixing the plot/story/writing, I'll put the entire story on fictionpress for review. Until then, I'm going to write the series for myself, and hopefully for some who might end up liking it.

Here's the link: http://eofusion.googlepages.com

---

Mr. Dell Mason was the type of teacher who was bored with the subject he taught. Instead of focusing on teaching, he's put the lesson plans and daily homework assignments on the board, leaving the class to its idle chatter and private work. Students tended to refer to him as "Dull Mason" when talking about him outside class.

There was only one thing that kept him from retiring early, and that was the "Fusion Club". The few who met him in the club had found that he was in fact, alive, energetic, and passionate...about entertainment and games. Perhaps if he had been younger, he'd have been found working at the local GameCastle.

"Fusion, today, we're not watching 'SailorFlume'," said he to a group of at least 50 members. More than 40 of them began moaning in disapproval. Mr. Mason took a bundle of papers and materials out of what seemed to be a big trash bag.

"Instead, we are going to make Dream Catchers!"

Calling out a sophomore named Damien Eve, Mr. Mason noted, "Damien, will you please hand out these instruction papers?" Damien got up and began handing the papers out.

Mr. Mason had Kelly Vanguard pass out the extra materials. It's while the papers and materials were given out to the Fusion Club members that some were quietly voicing to each other about how they had wished to watch the animation movie instead.

Though while the school day was in session, Mr. Mason usually ignored the possibly negative comments made about him, it was during Fusion that he was quite alert. Rapping a random magazine on the front table, he called the class to silence.

"Now, Fusion, I know you're mostly skeptical about today's project. But, according to 'Strange Stuff Magazine'..." Apparently, the magazine Mr. Mason had mentioned had been the one he was calling the club to attention with.

It was while Mr. Mason was beginning to trail off that Timothy Cole immediately raised his hand, to which Mr. Mason paused and noted, "Yes?"

"Mr. Mason," said Timothy Cole, "Dream Catchers are for the superstitious. Aren't they basically ineffective, like horoscopes?" It had been a few weeks ago that Mr. Mason had announced that horoscopes were useless, after getting a very wrong prediction from one of them. Apparently, Mr. Mason had bet and lost a few grand on a horse that had supposedly been advised of from one of the horoscopes he had near-religiously read daily. His disposition towards horoscopes had soured from that to the point that he banned the reading of them during his classes, and subsequently in Club Fusion.

"Ah, but Timothy, this specific Dream Catcher we are to each make follow a certain formula different than any other one that's been constructed to date," said Mr. Mason, whose lips had shaped into a smile. He continued with, "Take a look at your instruction papers."

The Fusion Club students looked down at their papers that had been handed out by Damien. On them, in bold print at the top were the words: "Catch a Dream, or Be Caught by One".

As Mr. Mason had expected, or at least hoped for, the Fusion Club members began to diligently construct their Dream Catchers. Around one and a half hours later, all had nearly or finally reached the last words on the instruction paper, to which some became confused.

Quartz Diamond was the first to ask Mr. Mason, "What does it mean by saying, 'Perhaps while dreaming, you will wake up.'?"

The teacher replied to her, "That's what I wish our Fusion Club members to find out." Mr. Mason seemed to be smiling while answering with those words.

It's from hearing those words that Ivan Evan raised his hand. Being nodded to from Mr. Mason and allowed to speak, Ivan asked, "Mr. Mason, have you tried the Dream Catcher out yourself?"

Mr. Mason shook his head, and began to speak. "No, I've been waiting a few days to try it. I figured it would be a positive experience if all of us in Fusion began using it at the same time."

"So, tonight, I advise you all to put the dream catchers over your heads, and for you to go to sleep." Mr. Mason then turned his head to a Fusion member named Paul Tress. "You too, Paul. No all-nighter tonight." Paul was known to be somewhat an insomniac.

That day's Fusion Club meeting had adjourned. And it's that evening that everyone began dreaming.


---

Oh, WHOA! I just received a free copy of Beck volume 32 from Chance magazine. It was what, months ago, when I sent in the form for my prize...?! I gave up on hoping for it to come awhile back, and it just arrived, today!!! Whoo!

Quite eye-opening: It notes that the US military has done tests on medications that enhance a person's body when the person is undergoing sleep deprivation. Also, that the pharmacies that US soldiers have access to are full of sleep-related medications. Another noted thing is that US soldiers are being taught or experimented on to possibly sleep like giraffes do, which are for 1.9 hours a night.

http://www.slate.com/id/2195466/

The ending words in the article are: There you have it: To make the world safe from sleep reduction, we're working night and day on the world's most advanced program in sleep reduction. You can rest easy, knowing our troops are wide awake.

Getting Started

-Input family name
-Input daughter's first name
-Choose daughter's birthday and bloodtype
-Input your age and birthdate

STATUS

(left side)

Height
Weight
Bust
Waist
Hip

(right side)

Physical Strength
Intelligence
Charisma
Pride
Morals
Refinement
Sensitivity
Disposition
Popularity
Fighting Ability
Magic Ability
Sin
Stress

TALK

-Greet: +3 Morals
-Praise/Speak kindly: -2 Morals, +3 Sensitivity
-Scold/Speak strictly: +5 Morals, +10 Stress
-Give pocket money: Around 50G is given, and stress drops

HEALTH

The settings in the Health option affect her health condition,
which includes her height, weight, and three sizes.

-Normal Diet (Average weight): 30G a month, +2 Morals, +1 Stress
-Raise Vigor (Raises weight): 80G a month, +3 Physical strengh, +2 Morals, +1 Stress
-Raise Gracefulness (Loses weight, drops strength a little): 10G a month, -2 Physical strength, +2 Morals, +1 Stress
-Put on diet (Loses more weight, drops strength a lot): 5G a month, -5 Physical strength, +2 Morals, +1 Stress

ITEM

Different items can be used and clothes can be selected.

SHOP

-Pawn shop
-Clothes shop
-Restaurant
-Church
-Hospital
-Spirits pawn shop

SYSTEM

-Save
-Load
-Options
-Title Screen

SCHEDULE

Tab 1: Class
Tab 2: Work
Tab 3: Rest

CLASSES

Study

Beginner's class: -10G. Moves up to Middle class after 8 classes.

-5 ~ -3 Physical Strength
+10 ~ +14 Intelligence
~ -1 Charisma
+7 ~ +10 Morals
-9 ~ -7 Sensitivity
+8 ~ +10 Stress

Middle class: -15G. Moves up to High class after 9 classes.

-5 ~ -3 Physical Strength
+19 ~ +21 Intelligence
~ -1 Charisma
~ +16 Morals
~ -8 Sensitivity
+15 ~ +17 Disposition
+8 ~ +10 Stress

High class: -30G.

~ -4 Physical Strength
+15 ~ +17 Intelligence
-3 ~ -1 Charisma
~ +12 Pride
+7 ~ +9 Morals
~ -8 Sensitivity
+16 ~ +18 Stress

-Master class: +10G.

Raises Intelligence, Pride, Morlas
Lowers Physical Strength, Charisma, and Senssitivity

Military Arts

Beginner's class: -10G. Moves up to Middle class after 8 classes.

+7 ~ +11 Physical Strength
~ -1 Intelligence
-1 ~ 0 Charisma
-3 ~ -1 Refinement
~ -1 Sensitivity
+5 ~ +7 Fighting Ability
+10 ~ +12 Stress

Middle class: -15G. Moves up to High class after 8 classes.

+12 ~ +13 Physical Strength
-2 ~ -1 Intelligence
~ -1 Sensitivity
+17 ~ +19 Fighting Ability
~ +18 Stress

High class: -30G. Moves up to Master class after ? classes.

Master class: +10G.

~ +12 Physical Strength
~ -2 Charisma
~ +8 Pride
~ +1 Refinement
~ -2 Sensitivity
~ +16 Fighting Ability
~ +17 Stress

Magic Arts

Beginner's class: -15G. Moves up to Middle class after 9 classes.

+8 ~ +9 Intelligence
+8 ~ +9 Magic Ability
+8 ~ +9 Stress

Middle class: -20G. Moves up to High class after 8 classes.

High class: -35G. Moves up to Master class after 8 classes.

Master class: +10G.

Art

Art class: -10G

-2 ~ -3 Physical Strength
~ -1 Charisma
+16 ~ +18 Sensitivity
+9 ~ +9 Stress

Decorum
The Castle must be visited first.

Beginner's class: -10G. Moves up to Middle class after 10 classes.

-1 ~ 0 Physical Strength
~ +2 Charisma
+3 ~ +4 Pride
+6 ~ +9 Morals
+7 ~ +10 Refinement
-2 ~ -1 Sensitivity
+6 ~ +8 Disposition
+3 ~ +9 Stress

Middle class: -15G.

~ -2 Physical Strength
+3 ~ +4 Charisma
~ +13 Pride
+17 ~ +18 Morals
~ +13 Refinement
~ -1 Sensitivity
~ +9 Disposition
+13 ~ +14 Stress

High class

~ -4 Physical Strength
+4 ~ +5 Charisma
+16 ~ +17 Pride
+12 ~ +13 Morals
+20 ~ +21 Refinement
~ -4 Sensitivity
~ +8 Disposition
-9 ~ -8 Sin
+16 ~ +18 Stress

Dance
After making friends with Christina, visit the dress shop. Then visit the Plaza and the Highway, and you will meet the dance instructor. Must be done after the Festival Harvest of the first year.

Beginner's class: -15G. Moves up to Middle class after 8 classes.

+3 ~ +4 Physical Strength
~ -4 Intelligence
+11 ~ +13 Charisma
+7 ~ +8 Refinement
+5 ~ +11 Stress

Middle class: -20G.

+5 ~ +6 Physical Strength
~ -4 Intelligence
+15 ~ +20 Charisma
+7 ~ +8 Pride
+12 ~ +15 Refinement
~ +8 Sensitivity
+9 ~ +15 Stress

High class: -35G

+7 ~ +8 Physical Strength
~ -4 Intelligence
+18 ~ +23 Charisma
+10 ~ +12 Pride
+14 ~ +19 Refinement
+11 ~ +12 Sensitivity
+19 ~ +22 Stress

WORK

Housework
Available in the first year.

+1 ~ +3 Physical Strength
+2 ~ +5 Morals
+1 ~ +2 Sensitivity
+4 ~ +8 Disposition
+1 ~ +4 Popularity
+6 ~ +7 Stress
Gold: - +0G. Cube will occassionally give +10G for the help, which drops Stress -10.

Babysitting
Available in the first year.

+2 ~ +4 Physical Strength
~ -2 Charisma
-1 ~ 0 Pride
-3 ~ -1 Refinement
+1 ~ +6 Sensitivity
+7 ~ +8 Disposition
+5 ~ +11 Stress

Gold:
-1st Level: +8G. Moves up to 2nd Level after 6 times.
-2nd Level: +10G. Moves up to 3rd Level after 5 times.
-3rd Level: +12G. Moves up to 4th Level after 5 times.
-4th Level: +14G.

Farming
Available in the first year.

+4 ~ +7 Physical Strength
-1 ~ 0 Intelligence
-4 ~ -2 Charisma
-2 ~ -1 Refinement
~ -2 Sensitivity
+16 ~ +20 Stress

Gold:
-1st Level: +15G. Moves up to 2nd Level after 6 times.
-2nd Level: +18G. Moves up to 3rd Level after 5 times.
-3rd Level: +22G. Moves up to 4th Level after 5 times.
-4th Level: +26G.

Church
Available in the first year.

~ -4 Charisma
~ +6 Pride
~ +9 Morals
~ -1 Sensitivity
-5 ~ 0 Sin
~ +8 Stress

Gold:
-1st Level: +1G. Moves up to 2nd Level after 5 times.
-2nd Level: +2G. Moves up to 3rd Level after 4 times.
-3rd Level: +3G. Moves up to 4th Level after 5 times.
-4th Level: +4G.

Restaurant
Available in the second year. After moving up to the 2nd level of Babysitting, visit downtown and Emma will tell you about the job.

~ -1 Physical Strength
-3 ~ -2 Charisma
~ +4 Pride
-1 ~ 0 Refinement
+2 ~ +3 Sensitivity
~ +3 Disposition
+19 ~ +22 Stress

Gold:
-1st Level: +15G. Moves up to 2nd Level after 6 times.
-2nd Level: +18G. Moves up to 3rd Level after 5 times.
-3rd Level: +22G. Moves up to 4th Level after 5 times.
-4th Level: +26G.

Maid
Available in the second year. Decorum is studied 5 times. Go the Plaza to hear about the job.

~ +3 Charisma
+5 ~ +6 Morals
+4 ~ +5 Refinement
+17 ~ +20 Stress

Gold:
-1st Level: +18G. Moves up to 2nd Level after 6 times.
-2nd Level: +22G. Moves up to 3rd Level after 5 times.
-3rd Level: +27G. Moves up to 4th Level after 5 times.
-4th Level: +31G.

Lumberjack
Available in the fourth year. Military Arts is studied 5 times. Go the Plaza to hear about the job.

+16 ~ +20 Physical Strength
~ -1 Intelligence
~ -3 Charisma
-11 ~ -10 Refinement
~ -2 Sensitivity
+35 ~ +39 Stress

Gold:
-1st Level: +25G. Moves up to 2nd Level after 6 times.
-2nd Level: +31G. Moves up to 3rd Level after 5 times.
-3rd Level: +37G. Moves up to 4th Level after 5 times.
-4th Level: +43G.

Inn
Available in the third year. Cube brings it up in spring of your 12th year.

+5 ~ +7 Physical Strength
-1 ~ 0 Intelligence
-4 ~ -3 Charisma
~ +2 Morals
-3 ~ -2 Refinement
+1 ~ +3 Disposition
+18 ~ +22 Stress

Gold:
-1st Level: +10G. Moves up to 2nd Level after 6 times.
-2nd Level: +12G. Moves up to 3rd Level after 5 times.
-3rd Level: +15G. Moves up to 4th Level after 5 times.
-4th Level: +17G.

Market
Available in the fourth year. Studies is studied 5 times. It will be heard from Bandon about the job.

+4 ~ +5 Intelligence
-1 ~ -2 Refinement
~ -1 Sensitivity
+4 ~ +5 Disposition
+16 ~ +17 Stress

Gold:
-1st Level: +20G. Moves up to 2nd Level after 6 times.
-2nd Level: +25G. Moves up to 3rd Level after 5 times.
-3rd Level: +30G. Moves up to 4th Level after 5 times.
-4th Level: +35G.

Bar
Available in the fourth year. Charisma is 100 or more. It will be heard in the Plaza from Rave about the job.

-2 ~ -1 Intelligence
+5 ~ +7 Charisma
~ -2 Morals
~ -1 Refinement
-1 ~ 0 Sensitivity
+2 ~ +3 Disposition
+20 ~ +22 Stress

Gold:
-1st Level: +25G. Moves up to 2nd Level after 6 times.
-2nd Level: +31G. Moves up to 3rd Level after 5 times.
-3rd Level: +37G. Moves up to 4th Level after 5 times.
-4th Level: +43G.

Tutor
Available in the fifth year. Studies is studied 5 times. It will be heard from Niel in the Plaza about the job.

-7 ~ -6 Physical Strength
~ +4 Intelligence
~ +2 Morals
~ -3 Sensitivity
+19 ~ +23 Stress

Gold: +25G.

Maid Bar
Available in the fifth year. Charisma and Refinement are 150 or more. It will be heard in the Plaza from Rei about the job.

-2 ~ -1 Physical Strength
-4 ~ -2 Intelligence
~ +12 Charisma
~ -6 Pride
-10 ~ -7 Morals
+4 ~ +8 Sensitivity
+4 ~ +5 Popularity
+5 ~ +6 Sin
+35 ~ +41 Stress

Gold:
-1st Level: +33G. Moves up to 2nd Level after 10 times.
-2nd Level: +41G. Moves up to 3rd Level after 8 times.
-3rd Level: +49G. Moves up to 4th Level after 6 times.
-4th Level: +57G.

Dubious Bar
Available in the sixth year. Charisma is 150 or more. It is heard about when going to the dark town.

-5 ~ -4 Intelligence
+19 ~ +24 Charisma
-9 ~ -8 Pride
-11 ~ -10 Morals
~ -2 Sensitivity
+1 ~ +2 Disposition
+2 ~ +3 Popularity
~ +16 Sin
+50 ~ +57 Stress

Gold:
-1st Level: +45G. Moves up to 2nd Level after 6 times.
-2nd Level: +56G. Moves up to 3rd Level after 5 times.
-3rd Level: +67G. Moves up to 4th Level after 6 times.
-4th Level: +78G.

Casino
Available in the sixth year. Charisma and Refinement is 150 or more. It is heard about when going to the dark side of town.

Raises Intelligence, Refinement, Charisma, and Sin.
Lowers Pride, Morals, and Sensitivity.

Gold:
-1st Level: +40G. Moves up to 2nd Level after 8 times.
-2nd Level: +50G.

REST

Rest

Rest with pocket money:
Year 10-12: -80G, -5 Stress per day
Year 13-15: -100G, -6 Stress per day
Year 16-18: -120G, -6 Stress per day

Rest without pocket money: -3 Stress a day

Sometimes when you choose to rest, you may get a CG event, such as playing with your friends, depending on the year and season.

Vacation

Relationship with father is raised and stress is lowered greatly. Based on your choices from the dialogue options during the vacation, other parameters could increase or decrease as well. You get a different CG for each season in each year when you take a vacation.

Going Out

Raises physical strength a little and lowers stress a little. Different places around town can be visited, and events with other people can be generated.

Raising Popularity

Visit the Castle when going out. Decorum must be studied. The higher your Decorum, the higher-ranked people you can meet.

-Guard: +3 Popularity.
-Proprietor: +7 Popularity.
-Earl: +11 Popularity. Must be in Middle Decorum class.
-Bishop: +12 Popularity. Must be in Middle Decorum class.
-Minister: +12 Popularity. Must have taken the Middle Decorum class a few times.
-Queen: +15 Popularity. Can be met when introduced by the Minister.
-King: +18 Popularity. Can be met when introduced by the Queen.

Credit: BLHQ

I just got the game and started playing yesterday. It's awesome, with fun voice acting, images, gameplay and story. I hope very much that my character ends up as a princess.

I'm currently playing the Korean PS2 version of the game. It's quite entertaining!!!

Just out of a whim, I've decided to record some links to places that have been quite helpful for playing the game:

1. http://www.kkpmc.net/ - An unofficial English site with up-to-date information, even info on Princess Maker 5.

2. http://www.maxlisa.com/ - Korean and English site for all the Princess Makers.

3. http://www.mediafire.com/?de4t4auzzyo (Found on yahoo.com - "Princess Maker 4 guide") - One of the MOST useful English tutorial/hints/guides for Princess Maker 4. It's in .doc-ument form. If you're unsure of some of the game aspects, be it Japanese or Korean, this document helps figure things out.

4. http://nurikosprincessmakernexusboard.yuku.com/topic/373/t/Princess-Maker-4-Infomation-Pool.html - An "information pool" on Princess Maker 4 in English. You might find some useful info from this message board page.

5. http://www.kkpmc.net/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=278 - In-depth guide for Princess Maker 4.

A Strong Vote of Approval from Seoulites

http://koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/special/2008/06/177_26227.html


According to the Seoul Survey 2007, two of three Seoulites responded they would choose to reside in Seoul ten years from now. This is a strong approval rating and says much about the satisfaction rate of the citizens of Seoul.

Seoul City released the results of the latest Seoul Survey on March 11, containing various information on life in Seoul. According to the survey, the happiness rating among Seoulites was 6.55 out of 10, an impressive 0.13 point jump from the previous results. A series of questions asking the political, economic, and social position of Seoulites came back 76.6%, showing a strong middle-class representation.

Although the satisfaction rate of Seoul’s cultural environment came back relatively low at 27.3%, it still showed a strong improvement of 7.2% from
last year. Seoulites also showed a tendency to shy away from the movies
last year, preferring to visit art exhibitions, concerts and performances
instead. While movies saw a decrease from 3.94 to 3.12, art exhibitions,
concerts, various performances as well as sporting events all saw a slight
increase.

As for housing, the survey revealed that an average Seoulite dwells in an
83.6m2 sized apartment but they would be more content with a 105m2 sized
housing. Furthermore, 56.4% of the Seoulites are homeowners. It is also
interesting to note that half of households in Seoul are in debt and the cause of debt usually stemmed from housing mortgage, rental, educational
expenses, living expenses and financial investment plans.



As for the level of satisfaction in different areas of daily living, the
housing environment scored 5.72 out of 10 while social environment got a
5, economic environment received a 4.92 and education environment was
tagged with the lowest approval rating at 4.56. The most impressive
increase was given to public transportation and traffic with a solid score
of 5.78. This is a significant increase from the meager 5.15 rating in
2003.

On a more interesting note, 62.9% of Seoulites are not yet warm to the
idea of interracial marriages, indicating a still strong conservative
nature. Of the working class, 57% responded they would change jobs right
away if the right opportunity presented itself. In addition, 48.7% replied
they would prefer personal time or time away from work than working
overtime to add to their annual income. About a third, or 33.1%, replied
they need to purchase a car before buying a house, 21.3% would readily go
under the knife to improve their looks and 20.5% would pay more for a
brand name item.

As for foreign representation in Seoul, 51.3% are females with 26.5% in
their 40s, 22.4% in their 22.4%, and 20.3% in their 50s.

For more information, please contact the Seoul Global Center at (82-2)
1688-0120 or email to hotline@seoul.go.kr

I asked some on GameFAQs if anyone had heard them before, and they seemed to be original.

For the record, they are:
"Miss Fortune, misfortune, a lady or a word."
AND
"Bend over, Ben Dover, a phrase or funny name."

It would be awesome if I found that no one had made these phrases up before. Hoo hoo hoo.

I dreamed that my mother bought candy, but I couldn't find it. Also, the latest Garfield comic strip had a comment about China and Korea. Furthermore, I was given a few papers with holes on the side (for binder) which I placed inside a binder. There was also a cup of water, which was spilled.

Eventually, the candy was found.

I've got a certain condition, but luckily it's not diabetes.

Anyhow, I went to a certain NW manhwa store, and got some good deals. I plan to return later next week. My main prerogative when I go next time is: "박수칠떼, 떠나라" (leave before you overstay your welcome). I spent WAY too much time perusing the place.

I've noticed that I like a lot of series that many dislike, for instance Mar (메드). Also, I tend to dislike some that are greatly acclaimed, aka "Soul Eater" and "DN Angel"; the series never really appealed too much.

Yesterday, I went to a health center, simply to get my height and weight stats, and ended up doing/getting a full health report. It was worthwhile, because I found out my weak points and strong points. On the positive side, I have quick reflexes (mostly due to the fact that I don't hear others, while others hear me), while on the negative side, I'm very inflexible.

I love the song "Don't Wait" by Dashboard Confessional. If I can, I'll get their latest CD, simply because the group's songs/vocals are terrific.

A few days ago, though I missed it, the Olympic torch was in Seoul. I really wish I could've seen it myself. There's a lot of controversy about Tibet and the Chinese Olympics. In all honesty, though I know very little, I think it would be awful to cancel/boycott the Olympics because of political manners. The "main purpose" of the Olympics is international cooperation. Of course, as I noted, I know very little about the impending issues.

About the economy...I hope Korea won't undergo an economic depression, but I realize there is a bit of inflation, even worldwide. Still, I realize it's best to not panic nor cause panic.

I made curry yesterday, and it wasn't too bad (because I normally hate it). WHOO!

Tomorrow is Korean Labor Day, a national holiday. (근로자의 날).

In a few days, Korea's first astronauts will be launched into space. Also, there's a big election for representatives in various places, including where I live. Also, I found out why exactly Japan wants to claim Dokdo (which has actually been historically proven to be Korean)...There's such a thing as "burning ice" there which can be used as fossil fuels by Korea for 40+ years.

I've ordered a set of manhwa for less than 10$ online...Hopefully it will come soon.

I did some walking yesterday and got a headache, possibly caused by the hwangsah (yellow sand) of Spring.

As usual, I use bugs for music, but I'm still waiting to use one of its good functions (unlimited monthly downloading of free music)...Qtrax is still useless, and I've rediscovered Boa songs (they rock).

Up until today, when I went outside, I'd be sporting my untrendy tape/radio walkman. Bulky and easy to drop, it was noticeably aged, me having used it since 2001...

Anyhow, just a few days ago, the walkman's tape-playing became malfunctioned, leaving only the ability to listen to the radio with it. That's when I got fed up and checked out auction.co.kr for some walkman deals or possibly mp3 options.

And that's when I was blown away. Having expected the need to spend 30+ dollars (30,000W), I found out a good deal of less than 20$ (20,000), 18.5$ (18,500W) to be exact, with 2.5$ (2,500W) for delivery. The package came a day after ordering it, which was another reason why I love living in Seoul.

Now, I have about 40+ songs so far in my 1 GB mp3 player, and it can't be any better. Who would've known the transition would be so easy and swift to make.

The only problem I'm facing is being able to acquire mp3s. Luckily, there should be enough options by using "Zamzar" and "Bugsmusic".

http://vizywo.googlepages.com

It basically keeps track of GameFAQs events, some personal events, and has various things like a FFXII page.

Put in front of them is a pencil, thread, and money.

If the baby chooses a pencil, he'll be a scholar. If money, he'll be rich. If a thread, he'll live a long life.

Korea's improved a lot in the past years. I heard through a talk show from a visiting Japanese woman that a few years ago, people weren't that well-dressed or fashionable. She said, however, that Koreans have gotten better in clothing and styles as of late.

In Seoul, specifically, there are a lot of good places to go, be it skating rink in winter at Seoul City Hall (or Lotte World), or nohreh baang (karaoke), or PC baang (which is internet for 1$ an hour), conventions at places like CoEX, ancient palaces and historic sites, etcetera.

What probably makes Korea awesome to those on this manga site are the fact that it has both Japanese manga (translated into Korean, or raw) and Korean manhwa. Additionally, the price of regular manga or manhwa is 3-4$ per volume, much cheaper than the 9.99$ in America.

Another aspect is gaming. You can get imports from various places, or simply play the Korean-translated games. There are also professional games of StarCraft and FPSs, shown on the gaming channel. Koreans are also major fans of MMORPGs, namely Mabinogi and Warcraft.

Most people, if not all adults, have cellphones. Korea is one of the most connected/internet-ish countries in the world. There's no such thing as dial-up here. Everyone uses broadband. People use cards to ride buses or the trains/subway.

Major holidays are chuseok (Korean thanksgiving day), Gehchunjul (the anniversary of the Korean race) and Lunar New Years.

One fun tidbit also, is about adultery. Here, it's illegal to cheat on your married spouse, so if one does commit adultery, both he and the person who he cheated with can be put into jail by his spouse. Nifty, eh?

Dec. 24th, 2007 (Monday): Christmas Eve:

I woke up to a dream I actually remember. There was some song playing in the background as I was lining up for lunch outside. Some person dropped a 500 won, and someone else picked it up before me. I noticed a 10 won on the ground, but as I went to pick it up, it turned into a manhole cover. Later, I was dragging a huge blue bag/suitcase, but I didn't know where I was going.

I woke up.

I had believed keeping the existence of Santa was necessary for young children to stay innocent. It's wrong.

Christmas is not about a red and white clothed spirit giving gifts to those who are good. Christmas is about the birth of Jesus Christ, our savior.

Santa is not real, and I feel horrible for passing on that idea. He was originally a person called "Saint Nicolas", who died before our time.

We should not be worshipping the dead, first of all.

Christmas is about the birth of our savior, second of all.

To have led others on in that horrid lie, that fantasy about gifts, is wrong.

Hopefully the world will go on and recognize Christmas for what it truly is.

I'm sorry.

December 15th, 2007 (Saturday evening):

Had curry rice and kimchi for dinner. Package still didn't arrive, so I'm expecting it to come on Monday. Sigh...I was really looking forward to it coming today...

Today was dull. DANS, yet, but had some milk and gyool (tangerine).

I was humming/singing/thinking of Ciara's "Like a boy" song today. While passing a woman by, I thought "Would you wish to be a guy/boy?" and she nodded.

I also got insahed (greeted) from afar by a Lee Myung Bak campaign person who was in a campaign van. My problem with it was that it was very loud, and could be heard even from inside my apartment.

This coming week will probably be eventful. Elections are on the 19th (Wednesday) and buffet is on Thursday. That and, I'll hopefully GET my package on Monday. One note I need to make to myself is the gifts to buy on Thursday on the way home. n ANOTHER NOTE: I must wear that white hoodie on Thursday.

Thinking of election, I read a bit on the candidates, and was surprised/informed. Lee Myung Bak is expected to help fix the Korean economy with conservative ideals. Chung Dong Young isn't as popular, because apparently Roh Moo Hyun (current president) was allegedly a disappointment. That and, there are other candidates, which split Chung Dong Young's influence.

Jaurim's "Chungchoonyehchan" is very sensational; listening to it, at least. It was a Korean remake of their song "#1". The song is flowing with emotion, kind of like New Age music, with a hint of Irish instrumentals in the background.

I know I don't know much, but I hang onto what I know very tightly. Information and knowledge can be a good defense and a good weapon. I don't wish to be completely ignorant. The world turns, and people come and go (myself included), but what stays are the memories, as long as they're passed on.

About the Harry Potter Universe: I am sort of a Neville fan, and was hoping he'd marry Luna. When I found out that JK Rowling said that he married Hannah Abbott, I was surprised. Still, I was just glad that Rowling didn't make him homosexual. I suspected that (him being non-straight) from reading the ending of Deathly Hallows. That would've been a heartbreaker, so I'm glad he was paired with a female.

December 14th, 2007 (Friday):

Last night I had vegetable soup and a veggie/meat bun.

I also had vegetable soup for lunch with a bit of sweet potatoes.

I'm hoping that the graphic novel series that is coming by mail comes today. However, I've been told I'll probably get it on Saturday instead. It was ordered Wednesday night, and had the info that it would come in 72 hours. Eh, it probably will come tomorrow (Saturday). >_<

Star Wars 3: Revenge of the Sith is playing on OCN at 8PM. I definitely don't want to miss it.

December 10th, 2007:

Practiced some stuff for Christmas celebration.

Ate kimchi soup and yagooreut for lunch. Had lamyun for dinner.

Other of household went out tonight for a concert. I'm hoping they bring back some good food.

Discussed Korean elections with some acquaintances. They expect Lee Myung Bak will win, but I think it's still too early to tell. Then again, it is the 10th, which is about a week until voting.